Armed man shot dead by officers overnight in Federal Way

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. - A man was shot dead by police after he pointed his firearm at officers Monday night in Federal Way, according to officials.

The incident unfolded at about 10:30 p.m. when a witness called 911 to say that a man was threatening two other men with a gun at the Pink Elephant car wash on Pacific Highway South near South 316th Street.

The victims told police they pulled into the closed business to check on trouble with their car when the SUV pulled up behind them. A man got out and showed a handgun.

Two veteran patrol officers were nearby and the police department said they were there within seconds to confront the gunman.

"The suspect turned towards them and lifted the firearm and pointed it right at the officers," said Cathy Schrock of Federal Way Police. "They fired upon him and he was deceased there."

What is still unclear is why the suspect had the two victims at gunpoint in the first place. The pair said they didn't know who the man was. Police later determined he was 33, from out of state and had a fugitive warrant out for his arrest on burglary charges. But still no motive for what happened.

This now marks the third time in a year that Federal Way police have been in an officer-involved shooting. Two months ago a suspect was wounded when he allegedly drove a stolen car directly at police. A year ago a Ricardo Hernandez was shot and killed when he reportedly refused to put a knife down and came at police with it.

And now this.

"Difficult to see (the officers) last night," said Schrock, "Difficult to see them this morning. Obviously it is what they train for and it's not what they want to do, ever."

Both officers now on paid leave which is routine. Kent police are heading up the investigation so there's no conflict of interest.